Electric Force magnitude and direction

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force acting on a 6 nC charge due to two other charges. The forces calculated are F13 = 2.28E-7 N and F23 = 1.52E-7 N. To find the resultant angle with respect to the positive x-axis, the tangent function must be applied to the individual forces. The discussion emphasizes the need to determine the angles for F13 and F23 to proceed with the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law (F = k(q1)(q2)/r^2)
  • Basic knowledge of vector addition in physics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically tangent
  • Ability to interpret charge configurations and their effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply vector addition to electrostatic forces
  • Study the use of trigonometric functions in physics problems
  • Explore the concept of electric field and its relation to force
  • Review examples of electrostatic force calculations with multiple charges
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of electric forces and their calculations.

trueplaya
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Three charges are arranged as shown in the picture above. Find the magnitude and direction of the electrostatic force on the 6 nC charge.

The direction I am looking for is the angle that the resultant force makes with the positive x-axis. Do not include units for the angle and make sure you input answers for the angle in degrees.



Homework Equations



F= k(q1)(q2)/r^2



The Attempt at a Solution



I have that you break up the equation into F13 and F23, or so I believe.
I say the top charge is 1 and bottom is 2.
The F13= 2.28E-7 N
The F23= 1.52E-7 N
I'm stuck from this point on, I think you must use tangent function to find angle but I do not know which angles to use. Any help thank you.
 

Attachments

  • 15P12.jpg
    15P12.jpg
    13.9 KB · Views: 684
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to Physics Forums trueplaya.

Can you get the angles for F13 and F23 individually?
 

Similar threads

Calculate electric force using Coulomb's law (vector components are the struggle)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Resolving the electric force into x y components?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating magnitude of total force (N)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
Moving charge deflected by a loop of wire
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
861
Help with Electric Forces Problem and Equilateral Triangles
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K
What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Find the magnitude of the electric force from 3 charges at vertices of a cube
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Electric Charge and Force free body diagrams
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Magnitude, 2D co-ordinates and Coulomb's Law
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating Net Force on a Wheel: Magnitude and Direction | 0.350 m Radius
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K